Coated Microcapsules

ABSTRACT

Accordingly, there are provided coated microcapsules including: a microcapsule including a polymeric shell and a liquid core material encapsulated therein; and a metallic coating surrounding said microcapsule, wherein the metallic coating includes particles of a first metal adsorbed on said polymeric shell and a film of a second metal formed thereon; wherein the particles of the first metal are sterically-stabilised nanoparticles; processes for preparing the coated microcapsules, as well as formulations related thereto are also provided.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to microcapsules including a liquid core material, to processes for their preparation and to formulations comprising the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to microcapsules including a liquid core material which can be released in a controlled manner during use. The microcapsules find application in fine fragrance formulations and other consumer products where controlled release of active ingredients is desired.

BACKGROUND

The encapsulation of liquid substances and their controlled, targeted delivery is important to industry. However, the efficient encapsulation of liquid substances, especially volatile substances, has proven difficult. Although applications of encapsulation techniques are increasing year on year, there remain significant shortcomings and limitations. In particular, the encapsulation of volatile compounds is an area in which little progress has been made.

Particular problems are encountered in the encapsulation of perfume oils, which are volatile substances found in fine fragrances and other fragrance formulations. Although the use of microcapsules to encapsulate perfume oils has been proposed, fragrance formulations typically contain polar solvents such as ethanol in which the microcapsules are dispersed. These polar solvents can readily penetrate the wall of the microcapsules, causing the perfume oils to leach prematurely from the microcapsules. It would be desirable to provide microcapsules which enable perfume oils to be released in a controlled manner during use, e.g. by rupturing the microcapsules during normal human movement.

There is a need in the art for improved microcapsules for encapsulating liquid substances, especially microcapsules which exhibit an improved release profile. In particular, there is a need for microcapsules for encapsulating liquid substances such as perfume oils, wherein the microcapsules are substantially impermeable to polar solvents such as ethanol yet, at the same time, are capable of releasing their contents in a controlled manner during use. There is also a need for improved processes for the preparation of microcapsules.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is provided a coated microcapsule comprising:

a microcapsule comprising a polymeric shell and a liquid core material encapsulated therein; and

a metallic coating surrounding said microcapsule, wherein the metallic coating comprises particles of a first metal adsorbed on said polymeric shell and a film of a second metal formed thereon;

wherein the particles of the first metal are sterically-stabilised nanoparticles.

Accordingly, there is provided a process for preparing a coated microcapsule, the process comprising:

providing a microcapsule comprising a polymeric shell and a liquid core material encapsulated therein; and

coating said microcapsule with a metallic coating which surrounds said microcapsule; wherein the step of coating said microcapsule comprises:

adsorbing particles of a first metal on said polymeric shell; and

forming a film of a second metal on said particles of the first metal;

wherein said particles are sterically-stabilised nanoparticles.

The present disclosure also provides precursors suitable for preparing the coated microcapsules. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides a plurality of coated microcapsules, as well as formulations comprising the same. Also provided are methods of fragrancing a substrate using a coated microcapsule.

The coated microcapsules offer various advantages and benefits. In particular, volatile liquid substances such as perfume oils can be encapsulated in microcapsules which are substantially impermeable to polar solvents such as ethanol yet, at the same time, can be ruptured during use. Moreover, the preparation processes disclosed herein enable the coated microcapsules to be prepared in a facile manner. In particular, the processes described herein may enable a metallic coating to be applied in only a small number of steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D depict a schematic diagram illustrating a process for preparing an exemplary coated microcapsule wherein a schematic diagram is in the upper portion and beneath the schematic diagram is the corresponding microscopy. In the depicted process, emulsion template FIG. 1A is converted to an uncoated microcapsule FIG. 1B comprising a polymeric shell and a liquid core material. Particles of a first metal are adsorbed onto the microcapsule surface FIG. 1C and a continuous film of a second metal is then applied, yielding a coated microcapsule FIG. 1D. Shown beneath the schematic diagram are corresponding optical microscopy FIG. 1A, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) FIG. 1D images of a microcapsule formed by such a process.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C provides optical, SEM and TEM images obtained at various stages of preparation of a coated microcapsule, the microcapsule comprising a PMMA shell, a hexyl salicylate core and a metallic coating comprising a layer of PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles and a continuous gold film disposed thereon. Shown are: 2A an optical micrograph showing the uncoated microcapsules; 2B a TEM image showing the PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles adsorbed on the surface of the microcapsules; and 2C an SEM image showing the gold film on the microcapsules.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS Liquid Core Material

The coated microcapsules may comprise a liquid core material encapsulated by a polymeric shell. The term “liquid core material” as used herein refers to a core material formed of one or more components, at least 90% by weight of which are liquid at standard ambient temperature and pressure. The term “standard ambient temperature and pressure” (or “STP”) refers to a temperature of 25° C. and an absolute pressure of 100 kPa. Preferably, the liquid core material comprises at least 95% by weight, e.g. at least 98% by weight, of one or more components which are liquid at standard ambient temperature and pressure. In some examples, the liquid core material consists of one or more components which are liquid at standard ambient temperature and pressure. In some examples, the liquid core material includes a mixture of liquids and a solid, non-limiting examples of which include a mixture of vanillin and perfume oils.

The liquid core material may be present in the coated microcapsule in an amount of at least 1% by weight of the microcapsule, preferably in an amount of at least 30% by weight, and more preferably in an amount of at least 60% by weight. In some examples, the liquid core material is present in the coated microcapsule in an amount of from 10 to 99.9% by weight of the coated microcapsule, alternatively from 40 to 90% by weight of the coated microcapsule, alternatively from 50 to 90% by weight, alternatively from 60 to 80% by weight.

In some examples, the liquid core material comprises one or more components which are volatile. Unless otherwise specified, the term “volatile” as used herein refers to those materials that are liquid or solid under ambient conditions and which have a measurable vapour pressure at 25° C. These materials typically have a vapour pressure of greater than about 0.0000001 mm Hg, e.g. from about 0.02 mm Hg to about 20 mm Hg, and an average boiling point typically less than about 250° C., e.g. less than about 235° C.

The liquid core material may consist of a single material or it may be formed of a mixture of different materials. In some examples, the liquid core material comprises one or more active ingredients. The coated microcapsules described herein are useful with a wide variety of active ingredients (i.e. “core materials”) including, by way of illustration and without limitation, perfumes; brighteners; insect repellants; silicones; waxes; flavors; vitamins; fabric softening agents; depilatories; skin care agents; enzymes; probiotics; dye polymer conjugate; dye clay conjugate; perfume delivery system; sensates in one aspect a cooling agent; attractants, in one aspect a pheromone; anti-bacterial agents; dyes; pigments; bleaches; flavorants; sweeteners; waxes; pharmaceuticals; fertilizers; herbicides and mixtures thereof. The microcapsule core materials can include materials which alter rheology or flow characteristics, or extend shelf life or product stability. Essential oils as core materials can include, for example, by way of illustration wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, lemon oil, lime oil, orange oil, peppermint oil and the like. Dyes can include fluorans, lactones, indolyl red, I6B, leuco dyes, all by way of illustration and not limitation. Particularly useful are encapsulated materials such as volatile fragrances and flavorants.

The liquid core material preferably comprises one or more components which are oil-soluble. The use of a liquid core material which is oil-soluble will be preferable having regard to, inter alia, the production of the microcapsules, which will typically be prepared by a process which involves the use of an oil-in-water emulsion in which the liquid core material is present in the non-aqueous (oil) phase. In some examples, the liquid core material is substantially free of water. In particular, the amount of water present in the liquid core material may be less than 5% by weight, e.g. less than 1% by weight, of the liquid core material. More preferably, the liquid core material consists of one or more oil-soluble components.

The liquid core material is preferably free of compounds which are capable of reacting with any of the compounds that are used to form the polymeric shell of the microcapsules. In particular, the liquid core material is preferably free of any polymerisable compounds.

In some examples, the liquid core material comprises a perfume oil formed of one or more perfume raw materials. The term “perfume oil” as used herein refers to the perfume raw material, or mixture of perfume raw materials, that is used to impart an overall pleasant odour profile to the liquid core material. Thus, where different perfume raw materials are present in the liquid core material, this term refers to the overall mixture of perfume raw materials in the liquid core material. The choice of the perfume raw materials defines both the odour intensity and character of the liquid core material. The perfume oils utilised in the coated microcapsules may be relatively simple in their chemical make-up, for example consisting of only a single perfume raw material, or they may comprise complex mixtures of perfume raw materials, all chosen to provide a desired odour.

The perfume oil may comprise one or more perfume raw materials having a boiling point of less than 500° C., e.g. less than 400° C., e.g. less than 350° C. The boiling points of many perfume raw materials are given in, e.g., “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals)” by Steffen Arctander (1969) and other textbooks known in the art.

The one or more perfume raw materials will typically be hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity of a given compound may be defined in terms of its partition coefficient. The term “partition coefficient” as used herein refers to the ratio between the equilibrium concentration of that substance in n-octanol and in water, and is a measure of the differential solubility of said substance between these two solvents. Partition coefficients are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,563.

The term “log P” refers to the logarithm to the base 10 of the partition coefficient. Values of log P values can be readily calculated using a program called “C LOG P” which is available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc., 30 Irvine Calif., U.S.A. or using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software 13375P 9 V11.02 (© 1994-2014 ACD/Labs).

In some examples, the perfume oil comprises one or more perfume raw materials having a calculated log P (Clog P) value of about −0.5 or greater, e.g. greater than 0.1, e.g. greater than 0.5, e.g. greater than 1.0. In some examples, the perfume oil consists of one or more perfume raw materials having a Clog P value of greater than 0.1, e.g. greater than 0.5, e.g. greater than 1.0.

In some examples, the perfume oil comprises one or more perfume raw materials selected from aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, ethers, alkenes, nitriles, Schiff bases, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of aldehyde perfume raw materials include, without limitation, alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde, anisic aldehyde, decyl aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, methyl n-nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl octyl acetaldehyde, nonylaldehyde, benzenecarboxaldehyde, neral, geranial, 1,1-diethoxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene, 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, alpha-methyl-p-isopropyldihydrocinnamaldehyde, 3-(3-isopropylphenyl) butanal, alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde, 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctan-1-al, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, octyl aldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, hexanal, 3,7-dimethyloctanal, 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-butanal, nonanal, octanal, 2-nonenal undecenal, 2-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl-1)-2-butenal, 2,6-dimethyloctanal, 3-(p-isopropylphenyl)propionaldehyde, 3-phenyl-4-pentenal citronellal, o/p-ethyl-alpha, alpha, 9-decenal, dimethyldihydrocinnamaldehyde, p-isobutyl-alphamethylydrocinnamaldehyde, cis-4-decen-1-al, 2,5-dimethyl-2-ethenyl-4-hexenal, trans-2-methyl-2-butenal, 3-methylnonanal, alpha-sinensal, 3-phenylbutanal, 2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropionaldehyde, m-tertbutyl-alpha-methyldihydrocinnamic aldehyde, geranyl oxyacetaldehyde, trans-4-decen-1-al, methoxycitronellal, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of ester perfume raw materials include, without limitation, allyl cyclohexane-propionate, allyl heptanoate, allyl amyl glycolate, allyl caproate, amyl acetate (n-pentyl acetate), amyl propionate, benzyl acetate, benzyl propionate, benzyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenylacetate, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl propionate, cyclohexyl salicylate, dihydro isojasmonate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl-2-methyl butryrate, ethyl-2-methyl pentanoate, fenchyl acetate (1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanyl acetate), tricyclodecenyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, geranyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, hexyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, n-hexyl salicylate, isobornyl acetate, linalyl acetate, p-t-butyl cyclohexyl acetate, (−)-L-menthyl acetate, o-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, methyl benzoate, methyl dihydro isojasmonate, alpha-methylbenzyl acetate, methyl salicylate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, prenyl acetate, cedryl acetate, cyclabute, phenethyl phenylacetate, terpinyl formate, citronellyl anthranilate, ethyl tricyclo[5.2.1.0-2, 6]decane-2-carboxylate, n-hexyl ethyl acetoacetate, 2-tertbutyl-4-methyl cyclohexyl acetate, formic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl ester, phenethyl crotonate, cyclogeranyl acetate, geranyl crotonate, ethyl geranate, geranyl isobutyrate, 3,7-dimethyl-ethyl 2-nonynoate-2,6-octadienoic acid methyl ester, citronellyl valerate, 2-hexenylcyclopentanone, cyclohexyl anthranilate, L-citronellyl tiglate, butyl tiglate, pentyl tiglate, geranyl caprylate, 9-decenyl acetate, 2-isopropyl-5-methylhexyl-1 butyrate, n-pentyl benzoate, 2-methylbutyl benzoate (and mixtures thereof with pentyl benzoate), dimethyl benzyl carbinyl propionate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, trans-2-hexenyl salicylate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl isobutyrate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl formate, rhodinyl formate, rhodinyl isovalerate, rhodinyl acetate, rhodinyl butyrate, rhodinyl propionate, cyclohexylethyl acetate, neryl butyrate, tetrahydrogeranyl butyrate, myrcenyl acetate, 2,5-dimethyl-2-ethenylhex-4-enoic acid, methyl ester, 2,4-dimethylcyclohexane-1-methyl acetate, ocimenyl acetate, linalyl isobutyrate, 6-methyl-5-heptenyl-1 acetate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acetate, n-pentyl 2-methylbutyrate, propyl acetate, isopropenyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, 1-methylcyclohex-3-ene-carboxylic acid, methyl ester, propyl tiglate, propyl/isobutyl cyclopent-3-enyl-1-acetate (alphavinyl), butyl 2-furoate, ethyl 2-pentenoate, (E)-methyl 3-pentenoate, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate, n-pentyl crotonate, n-pentyl isobutyrate, propyl formate, furfuryl butyrate, methyl angelate, methyl pivalate, prenyl caproate, furfuryl propionate, diethyl malate, isopropyl 2-methylbutyrate, dimethyl malonate, bornyl formate, styralyl acetate, 1-(2-furyl)-1-propanone, 1-citronellyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-nonadien-3-yl acetate, neryl crotonate, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, tetrahydromyrcenyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate, 4-cyclooctenyl isobutyrate, cyclopentyl isobutyrate, 3-methyl-3-butenyl acetate, allyl acetate, geranyl formate, cis-3-hexenyl caproate, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of alcohol perfume raw materials include, without limitation, benzyl alcohol, beta-gamma-hexenol (2-hexen-1-ol), cedrol, citronellol, cinnamic alcohol, p-cresol, cumic alcohol, dihydromyrcenol, 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol, dimethyl benzyl carbinol, eucalyptol, eugenol, fenchyl alcohol, geraniol, hydratopic alcohol, isononyl alcohol (3,5,5-trimethyl-1-hexanol), linalool, methyl chavicol (estragole), methyl eugenol (eugenyl methyl ether), nerol, 2-octanol, patchouli alcohol, phenyl hexanol (3-methyl-5-phenyl-1-pentanol), phenethyl alcohol, alpha-terpineol, tetrahydrolinalool, tetrahydromyrcenol, 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 1-3,7-dimethyloctane-1-ol, 2-(furfuryl-2)-heptanol, 6,8-dimethyl-2-nonanol, ethyl norbornyl cyclohexanol, beta-methyl cyclohexane ethanol, 3,7-dimethyl-(2),6-octen(adien)-1-ol, trans-2-undecen-1-ol, 2-ethyl-2-prenyl-3-hexenol, isobutyl benzyl carbinol, dimethyl benzyl carbinol, ocimenol, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-nonadien-3-ol (cis & trans), tetrahydromyrcenol, alpha-terpineol, 9-decenol-1, 2-(2-hexenyl)-cyclopentanol, 2,6-dimethyl-2-heptanol, 3-methyl-1-octen-3-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-2-ol, 3,7,9-trimethyl-1,6-decadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-nonen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-1-octyn-3-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-1,5,7-octatrienol-3, dihydromyrcenol, 2,6,-trimethyl-5,9-undecadienol, 2,5-dimethyl-2-propylhex-4-enol-1, (Z)-3-hexenol, o,m,p-methyl-phenylethanol, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-pentanol, 3-methylphenethyl alcohol, para-methyl dimethyl benzyl carbinol, methyl benzyl carbinol, p-methylphenylethanol, 3,7-dimethyl-2-octen-1-ol, 2-methyl-6-methylene-7-octen-4-ol, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of ketone perfume raw materials include, without limitation, oxacycloheptadec-10-en-2-one, benzylacetone, benzophenone, L-carvone, cis-jasmone, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-but-3-en-4-one, ethyl amyl ketone, alpha-ionone, ionone beta, ethanone, octahydro-2,3, 8, 8-tetramethyl-2-acetonaphthalene, alpha-irone, 1-(5,5-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-penten-1-one, 3-nonanone, ethyl hexyl ketone, menthone, 4-methyl-acetophenone, gamma-methyl ionone, methyl pentyl ketone, methyl heptenone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one), methyl heptyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, delta muscenone, 2-octanone, 2-pentyl-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 2-heptylcyclopentanone, alpha-methylionone, 3-methyl-2-(trans-2-pentenyl)-cyclopentenone, octenyl cyclopentanone, n-amylcyclopentenone, 6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanoic acid lactone, 2-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 3-methyl-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, 2-pentyl-2,5,5-trimethylcyclopentanone, 2-cyclopentylcyclopentanol-1, 5-methylhexan-2-one, gamma-dodecalactone, delta-dodecalactone delta-dodecalactone, gamma-nonalactone, delta-nonalactone, gamma-octalactone, delta-undecalactone, gamma-undecalactone, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of ether perfume raw materials include, without limitation, p-cresyl methyl ether, 4,6,6,7,8, 8-hexamethyl-1,3,4,6,7, 8-hexahydro-cyclopenta(G)-2-benzopyran, beta-naphthyl methyl ether, methyl isobutenyl tetrahydropyran, 5-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,6-hexamethylindan (phantolide), 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetralin (tonalid), 2-phenylethyl-3-methylbut-2-enyl ether, ethyl geranyl ether, phenylethyl isopropyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of alkene perfume raw materials include, without limitation, allo-ocimene, camphene, beta-caryophyllene, cadinene, diphenylmethane, d-limonene, lymolene, beta-myrcene, para-cymene, 2-alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, terpineolene, 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of nitrile perfume raw materials include, without limitation, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenenitrile, 3,7-dimethyl-2(3), 6-nonadienenitrile, (2E,6Z)-2,6-nonadienenitrile, n-dodecane nitrile, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of Schiff base perfume raw materials include, without limitation, citronellyl nitrile, nonanal/methyl anthranilate, N-octylidene-anthranilic acid methyl ester, hydroxycitronellal/methyl anthranilate, cyclamen aldehyde/methyl anthranilate, methoxyphenylprop anal/methyl anthranilate, ethyl p-aminobenzoate/hydroxycitronellal, citral/methyl anthranilate, 2,4-dimethylcyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde methyl anthranilate, hydroxycitronellal-indole, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of other the perfume raw materials useful herein include pro-fragrances such as acetal pro-fragrances, ketal pro-fragrances, ester pro-fragrances, hydrolyzable inorganic-organic pro-fragrances, and mixtures thereof. The fragrance materials may be released from the pro-fragrances in a number of ways. For example, the fragrance may be released as a result of simple hydrolysis, or by a shift in an equilibrium reaction, or by a pH-change, or by enzymatic release.

In some examples, the perfume oil comprises one or more of the perfume raw materials recited in the above lists. In some examples, the perfume oil comprises a plurality of perfume raw materials recited in the above lists.

In some examples, the liquid core material comprises one or more perfume oils of natural origin. In some examples, the liquid core material comprises one or more perfume oils selected from musk oil, civet, castoreum, ambergris, nutmeg extract, cardamom extract, ginger extract, cinnamon extract, patchouli oil, geranium oil, orange oil, mandarin oil, orange flower extract, cedarwood, vetyver, lavandin, ylang extract, tuberose extract, sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, rosemary oil, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, citronella oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, sage oil, neroli oil, labdanum oil, eucalyptus oil, verbena oil, mimosa extract, narcissus extract, carrot seed extract, jasmine extract, olibanum extract, rose extract, and mixtures thereof. One or more of these perfume oils may be used with one or more of the perfume raw materials recited above.

The perfume oil may be present in the liquid core material in an amount of from 0.1 to 100% by weight of the liquid core material. In some examples, the liquid core material consists essentially, e.g. consists of, a perfume oil. In some examples, the perfume oil is present in the liquid core material in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the liquid core material, preferably at least 20% by weight, and more preferably at least 30% by weight. In some examples, the perfume oil is present in the liquid core material in an amount of from 80-100% by weight of the liquid core material, alternatively less than 80% by weight of the liquid core material, alternatively less than 70% by weight, alternatively less than 60% by weight. In some examples, the perfume oil is present in an amount of from 10 to 50% by weight of the liquid core material, more preferably from 15 to 30%. Preferred liquid core materials contain from 10 to 80% by weight of a perfume oil, preferably from 20 to 70%, more preferably from 30 to 60%.

The liquid core material may comprise one or more components in addition to the perfume oil. For example, the liquid core material may comprise one or more diluents. Examples of diluents include mono-, di- and tri-esters of C₄-C₂₄ fatty acids and glycerine, isopropyl myristate, soybean oil, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, isododecane, and mixtures thereof. Where present, diluents are preferably present in the liquid core material in an amount of at least 1% by weight of the liquid core material, e.g. from 10 to 60% by weight of the liquid core material.

Polymeric Shell

The liquid core material is encapsulated by a polymeric shell. The coated microcapsules may be prepared by first forming the polymeric shell around the liquid core material to as to form an uncoated microcapsule, and subsequently forming the metallic coating. The term “uncoated microcapsule” as used herein refers to the microcapsule comprising the liquid core material prior to coating with the metallic coating.

The polymeric shell may comprise one or more polymeric materials. For example, the polymeric shell may comprise one or more polymers chosen from synthetic polymers, naturally-occurring polymers, and combinations thereof. Examples of synthetic polymers include, without limitation, nylon, polyethylenes, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyisoprenes, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polysaccharides, epoxy resins, vinyl polymers, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof. Examples of synthetic polymers include, without limitation, silk, wool, gelatin, cellulose, alginate, proteins, and combinations thereof. The polymeric shell may comprise a homopolymer or a copolymer (e.g. a block copolymer or a graft copolymer).

In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises a polyacrylate, e.g. poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA). The polyacrylate may be present in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of the weight of the polymeric shell.

In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises a polyacrylate random copolymer. For example, the polyacrylate random copolymer can comprise: an amine content of from 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of the total polyacrylate mass; a carboxylic acid content of from 0.6 to 6.0% by weight of the total polyacrylate mass; and a combination of an amine content of from 0.1 to 1.0% and a carboxylic acid content of from 0.3 to 3.0% by weight of the total polyacrylate mass.

In some examples, the microcapsule shell comprises a reaction product of a first mixture in the presence of a second mixture comprising an emulsifier, the first mixture comprising a reaction product of i) an oil soluble or dispersible amine with ii) a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, an oil soluble acid and an initiator, the emulsifier comprising a water soluble or water dispersible acrylic acid alkyl acid copolymer, an alkali or alkali salt, and optionally a water phase initiator. In some examples, said amine is selected from the group consisting of aminoalkyl acrylates, alkyl aminoalkyl acrylates, dialkyl aminoalkyl acrylates, aminoalkyl methacrylates, alkylamino aminoalkyl methacrylates, dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylates, tertiarybutyl aminoethyl methacrylates, diethylaminoethyl methacrylates, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylates, dipropylaminoethyl methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. In some examples, said amine is an aminoalkyl acrylate or aminoalkyl methacrylate.

In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises a reaction product of an amine with an aldehyde. For example, the polymeric shell may comprise a reaction product selected from urea cross-linked with formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde; melamine cross-linked with formaldehyde; gelatin-polyphosphate coacervates optionally cross-linked with gluteraldehyde; gelatin-gum arabic coacervates; cross-linked silicone fluids; polyamines reacted with polyisocyanates; acrylate monomers polymerized via free radical polymerization, and mixtures thereof. In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises a reaction product selected from urea-formaldehyde (i.e. the reaction product of urea cross-linked with formaldehyde) and melamine resin (i.e. melamine cross-linked with formaldehyde).

In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises gelatin, optionally in combination with one or more additional polymers. In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises gelatin and polyurea.

The polymeric shell may comprise one or more components in addition to the one or more wall-forming polymers. Preferably, the polymeric shell further comprises an emulsifier. In this regard, and as described in more detail below, encapsulation of the liquid core material may be achieved by providing an oil-in-water emulsion in which droplets of an oil (non-aqueous) phase comprising the liquid core material are dispersed in a continuous aqueous phase, and then forming a polymeric shell around the droplets. Such processes are typically performed in the presence of an emulsifier (also known as a stabiliser), which stabilises the emulsion and reduce the likelihood of aggregation of microcapsules during formation of the polymeric shell. Emulsifiers normally stabilise the emulsion by orienting themselves at the oil phase/aqueous phase interface, thus establishing a steric and/or charged boundary layer around each droplet. This layer serves as a barrier to other particles or droplets preventing their intimate contact and coalescence, thereby maintaining a uniform droplet size. Since the emulsifier will typically be retained in the polymeric shell, the polymeric shell of the microcapsules may comprise an emulsifier as an additional component. The emulsifier may be adsorbed on and/or absorbed in the polymeric shell of the microcapsules.

The emulsifier may be a polymer or a surfactant. The emulsifier may be a non-ionic, cationic, anionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric emulsifier. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include, without limitation, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), dodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and poly(ethylene glycol). In some examples, the emulsifier is selected from cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

The uncoated microcapsules may be formed by emulsifying the liquid core material into droplets and forming a polymeric shell around the droplets. Microencapsulation of the liquid core material can be conducted using a variety of methods known in the art, including coacervation methods, in situ polymerisation methods and interfacial polymerisation methods. Such techniques are known in the art (see, e.g., “Microencapsulation: Methods and Industrial Applications”, Edited by Benita and Simon, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 2,730,456; U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,457; U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,458; U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,811; U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,990; and U.S. 2006/0263518).

In some examples, the microcapsules are prepared a coacervation method which involves oil-in-water emulsification followed by solvent extraction. Such procedures are known in the art (see, e.g., Loxley et al., Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 208, pp. 49-62, 1998) and involve the use of a non-aqueous phase comprising a polymeric material that is capable of forming a polymeric shell, a poor solvent for the polymeric material, and a co-solvent which is a good solvent for the polymeric material. The non-aqueous and aqueous phases are emulsified, forming an oil-in-water emulsion comprising droplets of the non-aqueous phase dispersed in the continuous aqueous phase. The co-solvent is then partially or wholly extracted from the non-aqueous phase, causing the polymeric material to precipitate around the poor solvent, thereby encapsulating the poor solvent.

Thus, the uncoated microcapsules may be prepared by: (i) providing a non-aqueous phase comprising a polymeric material that is capable of forming a polymeric shell, a liquid core material which is a poor solvent for the polymeric material, and a co-solvent which is a good solvent for the polymeric material; (ii) providing an aqueous phase; (iii) emulsifying the non-aqueous phase and the aqueous phase to form an emulsion comprising droplets of the non-aqueous phase dispersed within the aqueous phase; and (iv) extracting at least a portion of the co-solvent from the non-aqueous phase such that the polymeric material precipitates around droplets comprising the liquid core material, thereby encapsulating the liquid core material.

In some examples, the polymeric material comprises a polyacrylate, e.g. poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) or a combination thereof. In some examples, the polymeric material consists of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA).

Preferably, the polymeric material has a weight average molecular weight of at least 10 kDa, more preferably at least 50 kDa, more preferably at least 100 kDa. Preferably, the polymeric material has a weight average molecular weight of from 10 to 1000 kDa, more preferably from 50 to 800 kDa, more preferably from 100 to 600 kDa.

With regard to the chemical composition of the non-aqueous phase, the liquid core material is preferably present in an amount of from 0.5 to 50%, preferably from 1 to 45%, and more preferably from 3 to 40% by weight of the non-aqueous phase. The polymeric material is preferably present in the non-aqueous phase in an amount of from 0.5 to 15%, preferably from 1 to 10%, and more preferably from 2 to 8% by weight of the non-aqueous phase. The co-solvent is preferably present in an amount of from 40 to 98%, preferably from 50 to 98%, and more preferably from 60 to 95% by weight of the non-aqueous phase. In some examples, the non-aqueous phase consists of the liquid core material, the polymeric material and the co-solvent.

In some examples, the co-solvent is a volatile material, e.g. dichloromethane (DCM), and is extracted from the non-aqueous phase by evaporation. In this case, precipitation of the polymeric material may be aided by heating the emulsion to promote evaporation of the co-solvent. For instance, the method may be carried out at a temperature of at least 30° C.

Preferably, at least one of the aqueous and non-aqueous phases comprises an emulsifier. More preferably, the aqueous phase comprises an emulsifier. Examples of emulsifiers include, without limitation, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and mixtures thereof. In some examples, the emulsifier is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight of the aqueous phase, preferably from 0.5 to 30%, and more preferably from 0.1 to 10% by weight.

In some examples, the polymeric shell is formed by an interfacial polymerisation process. For example, the polymeric shell may be prepared by an interfacial polymerisation process which involves the use of a non-aqueous phase comprising the liquid core material and one or more oil-soluble monomers; and an aqueous phase comprising one or more water-soluble monomers and an emulsifier. The non-aqueous and aqueous phases are emulsified to form an emulsion comprising droplets of the non-aqueous phase dispersed within the aqueous phase. The monomers are then polymerised, typically by heating, with polymerisation occurring at the interface between the non-aqueous phase and the aqueous phase.

Alternatively, the polymeric shell may be obtainable by interfacial polymerisation of a pre-polymer. Such processes may be used to prepare a range of different polymeric shell materials. For example, a polymeric shell comprising a polyacrylate, polyamine or polyurea material may be prepared by such a process.

Preferably, the polymeric material comprises a polyacrylate. In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises a polyacrylate and is obtainable by interfacial polymerisation of a pre-polymer, wherein the pre-polymer is obtained by reacting a mixture comprising: (i) an aminoalkyl acrylate monomer, an aminoalkyl methacrylate monomer, or a mixture thereof; and (ii) an acrylate monomer, a methacrylate monomer, an acrylate oligomer, a methacrylate oligomer, or a mixture thereof.

More preferably, the polymeric shell is prepared by a process comprising:

(i) providing a non-aqueous phase comprising the liquid core material, an amine monomer, a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, an acid and a free radical initiator;

(ii) reacting the amine monomer with the multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer to form a pre-polymer;

(iii) providing an aqueous phase comprising an emulsifier, an alkali or alkali salt, and optionally a free radical initiator;

(iv) contacting the non-aqueous phase with the aqueous phase under conditions such that an emulsion is formed comprising droplets of the non-aqueous phase dispersed in the aqueous phase; and

(v) polymerising the pre-polymer to form a polymeric shell which encapsulates the liquid droplets.

The amine monomer is an oil-soluble or oil-dispersible amine monomer, more preferably an aminoalkyl acrylate or aminoalkyl methacrylate. In some examples, the amine monomer is selected from aminoalkyl acrylates, alkyl aminoalkyl acrylates, dialkyl aminoalkyl acrylates, aminoalkyl methacrylates, alkylamino aminoalkyl methacrylates, dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylates, tertiarybutyl aminoethyl methacrylates, diethylaminoethyl methacrylates, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylates, dipropylaminoethyl methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. Preferred amine monomers are diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, tert-butyl aminoethyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the amine is tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate and the multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer is a hexafunctional aromatic urethane acrylate oligomer.

In the above process, an aqueous phase comprising an emulsifer and an alkali or alkali salt is used. Examples of emulsifiers include, without limitation, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and mixtures thereof. In some examples, the alkali or alkali salt is sodium hydroxide.

The interfacial polymerisation process is preferably performed in the presence of a free radical initiator. Examples of suitable free radical initiators include azo initiators, peroxide, alkyl peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, peroxyesters, peroxycarbonates, peroxyketones and peroxydicarbonates. In some examples, the free radical initiator is selected from 2,2′-azobis-(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis-(2-methyl-butyronitrile), and mixtures thereof. A free radical initiator may be present in the aqueous phase, the non-aqueous phase, or both.

In some examples, the microcapsules are prepared by an in situ polymerisation process. Such processes are known in the art and generally involve preparing an emulsion comprising droplets of the liquid core material dispersed in a continuous phase comprising a precursor material which can be polymerised to form a polymeric shell; and polymerising the precursor material to form a polymeric shell, thereby encapsulating the liquid droplets. The polymerisation process is similar to that of interfacial polymerisation processes, except in that no precursor materials for the polymeric shell are included in the liquid core material in in situ polymerisation processes. Thus, polymerisation occurs solely in the continuous phase, rather than on either side of the interface between the continuous phase and the core material.

Examples of precursor materials for the polymeric shell include, without limitation, pre-polymer resins such as urea resins, melamine resins, acrylate esters, and isocyanate resins. Preferably, the polymeric shell is formed by the polymerisation of a precursor material selected from: melamine-formaldehyde resins; urea-formaldehyde resins; monomeric or low molecular weight polymers of methylol melamine; monomeric or low molecular weight polymers of dimethylol urea or methylated dimethylol urea; and partially methylated methylol melamine.

The use of melamine-formaldehyde resins or urea-formaldehyde resins as the precursor material is particularly preferred. Procedures for preparing microcapsules comprising from such precursor materials are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,941, U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,419 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,842). The capsules are made by first emulsifying the liquid core material as small droplets in an aqueous phase comprising the melamine-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin, and then allowing the polymerisation reaction to proceed along with precipitation at the oil-water interface.

In some examples, the microcapsules may be prepared by a process comprising:

(i) providing a non-aqueous phase comprising the liquid core material;

(ii) providing an aqueous phase comprising a melamine-formaldehyde pre-polymer (e.g. a partially methylated methylol melamine resin);

(iii) emulsifying the non-aqueous and aqueous phases to form an emulsion comprising droplets of the non-aqueous phase dispersed in the aqueous phase; and

(iv) condensing the melamine-formaldehyde pre-polymer, thereby forming a melamine-formaldehyde polymer which precipitates from the aqueous phase and encapsulates said droplets.

The polymerisation process is preferably performed using an emulsifier, which is preferably present in the aqueous phase. By way of illustration, an anionic emulsifier (e.g. copolymers of butyl acrylate and acrylic acid) and/or a neutral emulsifier (e.g. PVP) may be used.

Condensation of the melamine-formaldehyde pre-polymer may be initiated by, e.g., lowering the pH of the emulsion. The pH of the emulsion may be adjusted using a base as appropriate. Examples of suitable bases include alkali metal hydroxides (e.g. sodium hydroxide), ammonia, and triethanolamine.

In each of the emulsification processes described herein, emulsification can be conducted using any suitable mixing device known in the art. For example, a homogeniser, colloid mill, ultrasonic dispersion device, or ultrasonic emulsifier may be used. Preferably, a homogeniser is used.

The resulting polymeric shell may have a thickness of greater than 0.5 nm, preferably greater than 1 nm, and more preferably greater than 2 nm Typically, the polymeric shell will have a shell thickness of less than 2000 nm, preferably less than 1500 nm, and more preferably less than 1100 nm. The microcapsules preferably have a polymeric shell with a thickness of from 1 to 2000 nm, such as from 2 to 1100 nm Factors such as the concentration of the shell-forming material in the emulsion will dictate the thickness of the polymeric shell.

The size of the microcapsules can be controlled by altering factors such as the stirring speed and the shape of the stirring blade or rotor blade of the stirrer or homomixer used during the emulsification step of the microencapsulation process, or by adjusting the reaction rate by altering the polymerisation conditions (e.g. the reaction temperature and time) for the polymeric material. In particular, the size of the microcapsules may be controlled by regulating the stirring speed, which in turn regulates the size of the droplets of the liquid core material in the emulsion.

Metallic Coating

The coated microcapsules further comprise a metallic coating which surrounds the microcapsules. The metallic coating comprises particles of a first metal adsorbed on the polymeric shell and a film of a second metal disposed on said particles. The film of the second metal provides for a continuous coating which surrounds the surface of the microcapsule. Preferably the thickness of the metallic coating is substantially uniform throughout the coating.

The particles of the first metal are preferably nanoparticles. The term “nanoparticles” as used herein refers to particles having a particle size of from 1 to 200 nm Preferably, the metal nanoparticles have a particle size of less than 100 nm, e.g. less than 50 nm More preferably, the metal nanoparticles have a particle size of less than 10 nm, more preferably less than 5 nm, and more preferably less than 3 nm. In this regard, the use of smaller metal nanoparticles may result in the formation of a thinner metallic coating. The nanoparticles will typically have a spheroidal geometry, but they may exist in more complex forms such as rods, stars, ellipsoids, cubes or sheets.

In some examples, the nanoparticles comprise gold, silver, copper, tin, cobalt, tungsten, platinum, palladium, nickel, iron or aluminium nanoparticles, or mixtures thereof. In some examples, the nanoparticles comprise an alloy of two or more metals, e.g. an alloy of two or more metals selected from gold, silver, copper, tin, cobalt, tungsten, platinum, palladium, nickel, iron and aluminium. In some examples, the nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide, e.g. aluminium oxide or an iron oxide. In some examples, the nanoparticles comprise core-shell particles comprising a core of a first metal or metal oxide surrounded by a shell of a second metal or metal oxide. In some examples, the nanoparticles consist of a single metal.

As described in more detail below, the film of the second metal is preferably applied by an electroless plating procedure which is catalysed by the particles of the first metal. It is therefore preferred that the particles of the first metal comprise a metal which catalyses the electroless plating process.

The first metal may be selected from the transition metals and p-block metals, e.g. a metal selected from those metals listed in Groups 9 to 14 of the Periodic Table, in particular a metal selected from Groups 10, 11 and 14. Preferably, the first metal is a metal selected from nickel, palladium, platinum, silver, gold, tin and combinations thereof. Preferably, the first metal comprises platinum, silver, gold, or a mixture thereof.

The first and second metals may be the same or different. Preferably, the second metal is different to the first metal.

The second metal is preferably a metal that is capable of being deposited via an electroless plating process. The second metal may be a transition metal, e.g. a metal selected from those metals listed in Groups 9 to 14 of the Periodic Table, in particular a metal selected from Groups 10 and 11. Preferably, the second metal is a metal selected from silver, gold, copper and combinations thereof.

In some examples, the first metal is selected from Au, Pt, Pd, Sn, Ag and combinations thereof; and the second metal is selected from Au, Ag, Cu, Ni and combinations thereof.

In some examples, the first metal is selected from Au, Pt, Pd, Sn, Ag and combinations thereof (e.g. Sn/Ag) and the second metal is Au. In some examples, the first metal is selected from Sn, Pt, Ag, Au and combinations thereof (e.g. Pt/Sn) and the second metal is Ag. In some examples, the first metal is selected from Sn, Ag, Ni and combinations thereof (e.g. Sn/Ni or Sn/Ag) and the second metal is Cu. In some examples, the first metal is selected from Sn, Pd, Ag and combinations thereof (e.g. Sn/Pd) and the second metal is Ni.

In some examples, the first metal is Pt and the second metal is Au; the first metal is Au and the second metal is Ag; or the first metal is Au and the second metal is Cu. More preferably, the first metal is Au and the second metal is Ag; or the first metal is Pt and the second metal is Au.

The particles of the first metal are preferably adsorbed onto the polymeric shell in the form of a discontinuous layer such that, prior to application of the metallic film, the surface of the polymeric shell comprises regions comprising adsorbed metal particles and regions in which adsorbed metal particles are absent. The metal particles may be distributed over the surface of the polymeric shell in a substantially uniform manner.

The thickness of the film of the second metal may vary with the density of the particles of the first metal that are adsorbed onto the polymeric shell of the microcapsule, with a higher density of particles of the first metal typically encouraging the growth of a thinner film. In some examples, the particles are deposited onto the polymeric shell at a density such that said particles cover from 0.1 to 80% of the surface area of the polymeric shell, e.g. from 0.5 to 40% of the surface area of the polymeric shell, e.g. from 1 to 4% of the surface area of the polymeric shell. The density of the particles on the polymeric shell may be determined using the procedure described in the Test Methods section herein.

Deposition of the First Metal

The first metal is deposited by adsorbing sterically-stabilised nanoparticles of the first metal onto the surface of the polymeric shell. Sterically-stabilised nanoparticles generally comprise a polymer or other macromolecule which is adsorbed on the surface of the metal particles, forming a protective sheath around the particles and minimising aggregation. The size of the steric stabiliser can be exploited in order to adsorb the metal particles onto the surface of the polymeric shell. Thus, in some examples, the particles of the first metal are adsorbed on the polymeric shell by steric interaction.

In some examples, the nanoparticles are sterically-stabilised by a polymeric stabiliser. Preferably, the polymer comprises one or more groups selected from carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, and ester groups. The polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer (e.g. a graft copolymer or a block copolymer). Examples of suitable polymers include poly(ethylene oxide), polyethylene glycol, poly(acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide), poly(ethylene imine), poly(vinyl alcohol), carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, guar gum, gelatin, amylose, amylopectin, and sodium alginate.

Preferably the polymeric stabiliser has a weight average molecular weight of at least 5 kDa, more preferably at least 10 kDa, more preferably at least 20 kDa. Preferably, the molecular weight of the polymeric stabiliser is from 5 to 100 kDa, more preferably from 10 to 80 kDa, more preferably from 20 to 40 kDa.

In some examples, the polymeric stabiliser is a non-ionic polymer. Examples of non-ionic polymers include, without limitation, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl propylene), poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) is particularly preferred as a steric stabiliser.

In some examples, the polymeric stabiliser is a cationic polymer. Examples of cationic polymers include, without limitation, poly(allyl amine) polymers, e.g. poly(allyl amine hydrochloride).

In some examples, the polymeric stabiliser is an anionic polymer. Examples of anionic polymers include, without limitation, polyacids, e.g. poly(acrylic acid) or poly(methacrylic acid).

In some examples, the nanoparticles are sterically-stabilised by a polymeric surfactant. Examples of suitable surfactants include, without limitation, polyoxyalkylene glycol alkyl ethers (e.g. polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers and polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers), sorbitan esters (e.g. polysorbates), fatty acid esters, poly(isobutenyl) succinic anhydride amine derivatives and amine oxides.

As with the polymeric stabiliser, the polymeric surfactant preferably has a weight average molecular weight of at least 5 kDa, more preferably at least 10 kDa, more preferably at least 20 kDa. Preferably, the polymeric surfactant has a weight average molecular weight of from 5 to 100 kDa, more preferably from 10 to 80 kDa, more preferably from 20 to 40 kDa.

The particles are preferably adsorbed on a surface-modifying agent that forms part of the polymeric shell. The surface-modifying agent may be adsorbed on and/or absorbed within the polymeric shell. Preferably, the polymeric shell was obtained by an emulsification process in which the surface-modifying agent was employed as an emulsifier, with the emulsifier being retained in the resulting shell. The sterically-stabilised nanoparticles preferably bind via steric interactions to the surface-modifying agent.

In some examples, the surface-modifying agent is a non-ionic surface-modifying agent, e.g. a non-ionic surfactant or a non-ionic polymer. Examples of non-ionic polymers include, without limitation, poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). More preferably, the non-ionic polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol).

In some examples, the surface-modifying agent is a cationic surface-modifying agent, e.g. a cationic surfactant or a cationic polymer. Examples of cationic surfactants include, without limitation, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, dodecyl dimethylammonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dioctadecyl dimethylammonium chloride and dioctadecyl dimethylammonium bromide. Preferably, the cationic surface-modifying agent is cetyl trimethylammonium bromide.

In some examples, the surface-modifying agent is an anionic surface-modifying agent, e.g. an anionic surfactant or an anionic polymer. Examples of anionic surfactants include, without limitation, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate and sodium stearate. Examples of anionic polymers include, without limitation, polyacids such as poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid).

Suitable procedures for preparing the sterically-stabilised nanoparticles are known in the art (see, e.g., Horiuchi et al., Surface and Coatings Technology, 2010, 204, 3811-3817). By way of illustration, sterically-stabilised nanoparticles may be prepared by reducing metal ions in solution in the presence of a stabiliser.

Thus, in some examples, the sterically-stabilised nanoparticles are obtained by providing a solution comprising ions of the first metal and a stabiliser, and reducing the ions to form metal particles which are sterically-stabilised by the stabiliser. Preferably, the ions of the first metal are present in the solution at a concentration of from 0.01 to 100 mM, e.g. from 0.05 to 50 mM, e.g. from 0.1 to 10 mM. Preferably, the stabiliser is present in the solution at a concentration of from 0.0001 to 1 mM, e.g. from 0.005 to 0.5 mM, e.g. from 0.001 to 0.1 mM.

The particles of the first metal may be adsorbed on to the polymeric shell of the microcapsule by contacting the microcapsule with a slurry comprising said particles. Preferably, the metal nanoparticles are present in the slurry in an amount of more than 0.2% by weight and the slurry comprises less than 0.01% by weight of unbound stabiliser.

The contacting may take place under ambient conditions. However, in order to facilitate adsorption of the particles onto the microcapsule surface, the microcapsules may be heated so as to enhance penetration of the sterically-stabilised particles within the polymeric shell. Preferably, the microcapsules are heated to a temperature of from 30° C. to 80° C., e.g. from 40° C. to 70° C. In some examples, the polymeric shell comprises an amorphous polymer and the microcapsule is heated to a temperature above standard ambient temperature but below the glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of the polymer. Preferably, the elevated temperature is no more than 30° C. below, e.g. no more than 20° C. below, the glass transition temperature of the amorphous polymer. Examples of amorphous polymers include, without limitation, polyacrylates, e.g. poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(ethyl methacrylate). The glass transition temperature of the polymer may be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) following ASTM E1356 (“Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperature by Differential Scanning calorimetry”).

Deposition of the Second Metal

Once the particles of the first metal have been adsorbed onto the polymeric shell, a film of a second metal is formed on the particles of the first metal, thereby coating the polymeric shell with a continuous metallic film that surrounds the microcapsule. Preferably the thickness of the metallic coating is substantially uniform throughout the coating.

The metallic film is preferably formed by an electroless plating process in which the deposition of the second metal is catalysed by the adsorbed particles of the first metal. The electroless deposition process will generally comprise contacting microcapsules onto which particles of the first metal have been deposited with a solution of ions of the second metal in the presence of a reducing agent, in the absence of an electric current. The reducing agent is typically a mild reducing agent such as formaldehyde and the electroless plating is preferably performed under alkaline conditions. Once the electroplating reaction commences, the deposition of the metallic coating may become autocatalytic. The thickness of the metallic film may be controlled by limiting the concentration of the ions of the second metal in solution and/or the duration of the electroless plating procedure.

Suitable techniques for conducting the electroless plating procedure are described, for example, in the following documents: Basarir et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2012, 4(3), 1324-1329; Blake et al., Langmuir, 2010, 26(3), 1533-1538; Chen et al., Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2008, 112(24), 8870-8874; Fujiwara et al., Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2010, 157(4), pp. D211-D216; Guo et al., Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2013, 127(5), 4186-4193; Haag et al., Surface and Coatings Technology, 2006, 201(6), 2166-2173; Horiuchi et al., Surface & Coatings Technology, 2010, 204(23), 3811-3817; Ko et al., Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2010, 157(1), pp. D46-D49; Lin et al., International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2010, 35(14), 7555-7562; Liu et al., Langmuir, 2005, 21(5), 1683-1686; Ma et al., Applied Surface Science, 2012, 258(19), 7774-7780; Miyoshi et al., Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2008, 321(1-3), 238-243; Moon et al., 2008, Ultramicroscopy, 108(10), 1307-1310; Wu et al., Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2009, 330(2), 359-366; Ye et al., Materials Letters, 2008, 62(4-5), 666-669; and Zhu et al., Surface and Coatings Technology, 2011, 205(8-9), 2985-2988.

By way of illustration, and without limitation, a silver film may be prepared by forming a dispersion comprising silver nitrate, formaldehyde, ammonia and microcapsules comprising particles of the first metal. The dispersion is then stirred for a sufficient period of time until a metallic film of the desired thickness is obtained. The capsules may then be washed, e.g. by centrifugation, in order to separate them from the plating solution.

The ions of the second metal are preferably present in the solution at a concentration of from 0.05 to 2000 mM, e.g. from 0.1 to 1750 mM, e.g. from 0.5 to 1500 mM. Preferably, the reducing agent is present in the solution at a concentration of from 0.05 to 3500 mM, e.g. from 0.1 to 3000 mM, e.g. from 0.5 to 2500 mM. Preferably, the second metal and the reducing agent are present in the solution at a molar ratio of second metal to reducing agent of from 1:10 to 4:1, e.g. from 1:5 to 2:1, e.g. from 1:3 to 1:1.

The electroless plating process may be performed at any suitable temperature, e.g. a temperature of from 0 to 80° C. Preferably, the electroless plating process is performed at room temperature.

Characteristics and Properties of the Coated Microcapsules

The coated microcapsules may be obtained in a range of different particle sizes. Preferably, the coated microcapsules have a particle size of at least 0.1 microns, more preferably at least 1 micron. Typically, the coated microcapsules will have particle size of 500 microns or less, such as 100 microns or less, and more preferably 50 microns or less. Preferably, the coated microcapsules have a particle size of from 0.1 to 500 microns, e.g. from 1 to 100 microns, e.g. from 1 to 30 microns, e.g. from 1 to 20 microns. The particle size of the coated and uncoated microcapsules may be determined using the test procedure described in the Test Methods section herein.

The thickness of the metallic coating may be chosen such that the coated microcapsules rupture and release the encapsulated liquid core material under particular conditions, e.g. under particular stresses. For instance, when the coated microcapsules comprise a perfume oil and form part of a fragrance formulation that is worn by a user, the metallic coating may rupture during use, e.g. due to rubbing of the skin to which the formulation has been applied. In this way, the perfume oil may be released in a controlled manner so that it is perceptible to the user for a prolonged period of time.

Conversely, it is also desirable for the metallic coating to have a minimum thickness so as to reduce the likelihood of solvents permeating through the microcapsule wall and/or the metallic coating rupturing prematurely when the coated microcapsules are stored, transported or used. This is particularly important in the case of fine fragrance formulations, which will typically comprise a polar solvent such as ethanol in which the microcapsules are dispersed.

In some examples, the metallic coating has a maximum thickness of 1000 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 500 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 400 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 300 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 200 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 150 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 100 nm, e.g. a maximum thickness of 50 nm. In some examples, the metallic coating has a minimum thickness of 1 nm, e.g. a minimum thickness of 10 nm, e.g. a minimum thickness of 30 nm. In some examples, the metallic coating has: a minimum thickness of 1 nm and a maximum thickness of 500 nm; a minimum thickness of 10 nm and a maximum thickness of 300 nm; or a minimum thickness of 10 nm and a maximum thickness of 200 nm Preferably, the metallic coating has: a minimum thickness of 10 nm and a maximum thickness of 150 nm; a minimum thickness of 10 nm and a maximum thickness of 100 nm; a minimum thickness of 20 nm and a maximum thickness of 100 nm.

The coated microcapsules are designed to release their liquid core material when the microcapsules are ruptured. The rupture can be caused by forces applied to the shell during mechanical interactions. The microcapsules may have a fracture strength of from about 0.1 MPa to about 25 MPa. The microcapsules preferably have a fracture strength of at least 0.5 MPa. So that the microcapsules are readily friable, they preferably have a fracture strength of less than 25 MPa, more preferably of less than 20 MPa, more preferably of less than 15 MPa. For instance, the microcapsules may have a fracture strength of from 0.5 to 10 MPa. The fracture strength of the microcapsules may be measured according to the Fracture Strength Test Method described in WO 2014/047496 (see pages 28-30 thereof).

The coated microcapsules may be characterised in terms of their permeability. A coated microcapsule preferably retains more than 50% by weight of the liquid core material under the Ethanol Stability Test described herein. More preferably, the coated microcapsule preferably retains more than 70% by weight of the liquid core material, e.g. more than 80% by weight, e.g. more than 85% by weight, e.g. more than 90% by weight, e.g. more than 95% by weight, e.g. more than 98% by weight, when tested under the Ethanol Stability Leakage Test described herein.

In some examples, the metallic coating is applied to an uncoated microcapsule which would otherwise retain less than 20% by weight of its liquid core material when tested under the Ethanol Stability Leakage Test described herein, e.g. less than 10%, e.g. less than 5%, e.g. less than 1%.

Formulations and Uses

The coated microcapsules will typically be formulated as a plurality of coated microcapsules. Thus, the present disclosure provides a formulation comprising a plurality of coated microcapsules. The coated microcapsules will typically be dispersed in a solvent. For example, the coated microcapsules may be dispersed in water or a polar solvent, e.g. an alcohol such as ethanol.

Preferably, the formulation comprises the coated microcapsules in an amount of at least 1% by weight of the formulation. For example, the coated microcapsules may be present in an amount of at least 5% by weight, at least 7% by weight or at least 10% by weight of the formulation. The formulation may comprise a mixture of different coated microcapsules as disclosed herein, the mixture comprising a plurality of coated microcapsules comprising a first liquid core material and a plurality of coated microcapsules comprising a second liquid core material. Alternatively or additionally, the formulation may comprise other microcapsules, e.g. uncoated microcapsules, in addition to the coated microcapsules.

Preferably, at least 75%, 85% or even 90% by weight of the coated microcapsules in the formulation have a particle size of from 1 microns to 100 microns, more preferably from 1 microns to 50 microns, even more preferably from 10 microns to 50 microns, most preferably from 1 microns to 30 microns. Preferably, at least 75%, 85% or even 90% by weight of the coated microcapsules have a polymeric shell thickness of from 60 nm to 250 nm, more preferably from 80 nm to 180 nm, even more preferably from 100 nm to 160 nm.

The coated microcapsules disclosed herein may be used in consumer products (i.e. products intended to be sold to consumers without further modification or processing). Non-limiting examples of consumer products useful herein include products for treating hair (human, dog, and/or cat), including, bleaching, coloring, dyeing, conditioning, growing, removing, retarding growth, shampooing, styling; deodorants and antiperspirants; personal cleansing; color cosmetics; products, and/or methods relating to treating skin (human, dog, and/or cat), including application of creams, lotions, and other topically applied products for consumer use; and products and/or methods relating to orally administered materials for enhancing the appearance of hair, skin, and/or nails (human, dog, and/or cat); shaving; body sprays; and fine fragrances like colognes and perfumes; products for treating fabrics, hard surfaces and any other surfaces in the area of fabric and home care, including: air care, car care, dishwashing, fabric conditioning (including softening), laundry detergency, laundry and rinse additive and/or care, hard surface cleaning and/or treatment, and other cleaning for consumer or institutional use; products relating to disposable absorbent and/or non-absorbent articles including adult incontinence garments, bibs, diapers, training pants, infant and toddler care wipes; hand soaps, shampoos, lotions, oral care implements, and clothing; products such as wet or dry bath tissue, facial tissue, disposable handkerchiefs, disposable towels, and/or wipes; products relating to catamenial pads, incontinence pads, interlabial pads, panty liners, pessaries, sanitary napkins, tampons and tampon applicators, and/or wipes.

In particular, the present disclosure provides a fragrance formulation which comprises a plurality of coated microcapsules, the coated microcapsules comprising a liquid core material comprising a perfume oil. The formulation will typically comprise a polar solvent in which the coated microcapsules are dispersed. Preferably the polar solvent is ethanol. Thus, the present disclosure provides a fragrance formulation comprising a plurality of coated microcapsules dispersed in ethanol. More preferably, the fragrance formulation is a fine fragrance formulation.

Test Methods

Test method for measuring the size of the microcapsules

The dimensions of uncoated and coated microcapsules may be measured using a Malvern Mastersizer Hydro 2000SM particle size analyser. Measurements are performed according to British Standard BS ISO 13099-1:2012 (“Colloidal systems—Methods for zeta-potential determination”).

Test Method for Measuring the Size of the Metal Particles

The dimensions of metal particles may be measured by dynamic light scattering. Specifically, a Malvern Nano-ZS Zetasizer and FEI Tecnai TF20 field emission transmission gun electron microscopy (FEGTEM) fitted with HAADF detector and Gatan Orius SC600A CCD camera may be used.

Test Method for Measuring the Thickness of the Polymeric Shell and the Metallic Coating

The thickness of the polymeric shell and the metallic coating may be measured using microtoming and FEGTEM. In order to prepare capsule cross-section samples for TEM imaging, 1% of the washed capsules are centrifuged and redispersed in 1 mL of ethanol. The capsule samples are then air dried and mixed with EPO FIX epoxy resin. The sample is left to harden overnight and ˜100 nm thick microtome samples are floated onto water and set on TEM grids. FEGTEM is used to generate images of the microtomes and the thickness of the polymeric shell and the metallic coating may be determined using a computer program, such as Image J.

Test Method for Measuring the Adsorption Density of Metal Particles on the Capsule Surface

Metal particle surface adsorption densities may be measured directly from TEM images. Adsorption densities can be measured for small sample boxes on the surface of the capsule. The distance from the centre of the sphere is then noted in each case. Each measurement was then corrected for both surface curvature and halved to compensate for the transparent nature of the capsules (TEM imaging shows the metal particles on both sides of the capsule). The size distribution of the capsules is then used to convert the number density obtained from these images to a 2D surface coverage (percent).

Test Method for Measuring the Zeta Potentials of Uncoated Microcapsules, Metal Particles and Coated Microcapsules

The zeta potentials of uncoated microcapsules, the metal particles and the coated capsules may be analysed using a Malvern nano-ZS zetasizer. Zeta potentials are measured according to British Standard BS ISO 13099-1:2012 (“Colloidal systems—Methods for zeta-potential determination”).

Test Method for Analysing the Chemical Composition of the Coated Microcapsules

The chemical composition of the coated microcapsules may be analysed using an Oxford Instruments INCA 350 energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) with 80 mm X-Max SDD detector, which is installed in FEGTEM; and EDX in FEGTSEM.

Ethanol Stability Test

The Ethanol Stability Test refers to the following test procedure.

A known volume of microcapsules (coated or uncoated microcapsules) are isolated and dispersed in an aqueous solution consisting of 1 part water to 4 parts absolute ethanol. The dispersion is heated to 40° C. After 7 days at 40° C., the microcapsules are isolated from the aqueous solution using centrifugation at 7000 rpm for 1 minute.

The aqueous solution is then subjected to analysis using gas chromatography to determine the content of the liquid core material that has leached from the microcapsules. Samples are assessed using a fused silica column of 3 m in length and 0.25 mm internal diameter, coated with a 0.25 mm film of 100% dimethyl polysiloxane stationary phase. The column temperature is programmed to increase from 50° C. to 300° C. at a rate of 20° C. per minute. A Clarus 580 gas chromatograph is used for the analysis.

Where the loss of liquid core material from coated microcapsules is compared with that from uncoated microcapsules, the uncoated microcapsules may be subjected to the washing steps of the coating procedure, to ensure that there is equivalent liquid core material loss from the coated and uncoated microcapsules in advance of the Ethanol Stability Test.

To confirm the presence of the liquid core material within the coated microcapsules, a known sample of capsules is crushed between two glass slides and washed into a vial with 5 ml ethanol. The capsules are isolated from the aqueous solution using centrifugation at 7000 rpm for 1 minute. The aqueous solution is then subjected to analysis using gas chromatography to determine the content of the liquid core material that has leached from the microcapsules.

The following Examples describe and illustrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The Examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Unless otherwise stated, the test procedures used in these Examples are those specified in the Test Methods section of this specification.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Microcapsules Comprising a Polyacrylate Shell and an n-Hexadecane Core

The following procedure was used to prepare microcapsules comprising a polyacrylate shell and an n-hexadecane core. Microcapsules were prepared by a coacervation procedure which involved oil-in-water emulsification followed by solvent extraction. Poly(vinyl alcohol) was used as an emulsifier.

2.5 g of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, 99%, Sigma) was dissolved in 70.5 g of dichloromethane (DCM) (>99%, Acros Organics). 5.0 g of n-hexadecane (99%, Acros Organics) was added to this and mixed until one phase formed. This formed the “core” phase. In a 100 ml volumetric flask, a 2% emulsifier solution was prepared by dissolving a sufficient amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA, 67 kDa, 8-88 Fluka) in Milli-Q water, to form the “continuous” phase. 7 ml of both the “core” and “continuous” phase was added to a glass vial and emulsified using a homogeniser (IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax) at 15000 rpm for 2 min. The stabilised emulsion was then stirred magnetically at 400 rpm while 86 ml of the “continuous” phase was poured in slowly. The diluted emulsion was then stirred at 400 rpm for 24 hours at room temperature to allow capsule formation to occur. The dispersion was transferred into a separating funnel and the capsules allowed to cream. The aqueous phase of excess PVA was removed, and replaced with Milli-Q water three times. The capsules were redispersed in 50 ml Milli-Q water.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Microcapsules Containing a Polyacrylate Shell and a Toluene Core

The following procedure was used to prepare microcapsules comprising a polyacrylate shell and a toluene core. Microcapsules were prepared by a coacervation procedure which involved oil-in-water emulsification followed by solvent extraction. Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide was used as an emulsifier.

5 g of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA, 99%, Sigma) was dissolved in 81 g of dichloromethane (DCM) (>99%, Acros Organics). 14 g of toluene (99%, Acros Organics) was added to this and mixed until one phase formed. This formed the “core” phase. In a 100 ml volumetric flask, a 0.28% emulsifier solution was prepared by dissolving a sufficient amount of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, 98%, Sigma) in Milli-Q water, to form the “continuous” phase. 7 ml of both the “core” and “continuous” phase was added to a glass vial and emulsified using a homogeniser (IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax) at 15000 rpm for 2 min. The stabilised emulsion was then stirred magnetically at 400 rpm while 86 ml of the “continuous” phase was poured in slowly. The diluted emulsion was then stirred at 400 rpm for 24 hours at room temperature to allow capsule formation to occur. The capsules were isolated by washing via centrifugation (Heraeus Megafuge R16) and removing the supernatant three times at 4000 rpm for 5 min. The capsules were redispersed in 25 ml Milli-Q water.

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Microcapsules Containing a Polyacrylate Shell and a Hexyl Salicylate Core

The following procedure was used to prepare microcapsules comprising a polyacrylate shell and a hexyl salicylate core. Microcapsules were prepared by a coacervation procedure which involved oil-in-water emulsification followed by solvent extraction. Poly(vinyl alcohol) was used as an emulsifier.

10 g of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, 99%, Sigma) was dissolved in 60 g of dichloromethane (DCM) (>99%, Acros Organics). 30 g of hexyl salicylate (Procter and Gamble) was added to this and mixed until one phase formed. This formed the “core” phase. In a 100 ml volumetric flask, a 0.28% emulsifier solution was prepared by dissolving a sufficient amount of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, 98%, Sigma) in Milli-Q water, to form the “continuous” phase. 7 ml of both the “core” and “continuous” phase was added to a glass vial and emulsified using a homogeniser (IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax) at 15000 rpm for 2 min. The stabilised emulsion was then stirred magnetically at 400 rpm while 86 ml of the “continuous” phase was poured in slowly. The diluted emulsion was then stirred at 400 rpm for 24 hours at room temperature to allow capsule formation to occur. The capsules were isolated by washing via centrifugation (Heraeus Megafuge R16) and removing the supernatant three times at 4000 rpm for 5 min. The capsules were redispersed in 50 ml Milli-Q water.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of Sterically-Stabilised Platinum Nanoparticles

The following procedure was used to prepare poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-stabilised platinum nanoparticles.

0.5 g of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP, 40 kDa, Fluka) was dissolved in 250 ml Milli-Q water. 31.25 ml of this was added to a 1 L volumetric flask and filled to 1 L with Milli-Q water to give a 0.00625 wt % solution of PVP. 100 ml of this PVP solution was placed in a 250 ml conical flask and 0.23 g of H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O was added and stirred to dissolve. A 0.5 mM solution of NaBH₄ was made by dissolving 0.189 g NaBH₄ in 10 ml Milli-Q water. 0.4 ml of this was added to the platinum salt-PVP solution with vigorous stirring for 2 minutes. The solution immediately turned dark brown and was left to stand overnight to form Pt-PVP nanoparticles.

EXAMPLE 5 Adsorption of Sterically-Stabilised Platinum Nanoparticles onto Microcapsules

The following procedure was used to adsorb the PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles of Example 4 onto the surface of the microcapsules of Examples 1-3.

2 ml of capsules were added to 5 ml of PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles in a 40 ml glass vial, and mixed on a carousel for 10 min. The capsules were then washed by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes, three times. The capsules were redispersed in 30 ml Milli-Q water.

EXAMPLE 6 Formation of Gold Film by Electroless Plating

The following procedure was used to form a continuous gold film on the surface of the microcapsules of Example 5 by electroless plating.

1.58 g of HAuCl₄ (99.9%, Sigma) was dissolved to 100 ml with Milli-Q water. 0.58 g of hydrogen peroxide (35% in water, Aldrich) was dissolved to 100 ml with Milli-Q water. 0.2 g of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) was dissolved to 100 ml with Milli-Q water. 1 ml of each of the above solutions was added to a 40 ml glass vial to form the plating solution. 7.5 ml of the microcapsules was added dropwise to the plating solution and stirred vigorously for 5 min. The capsules were washed by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes, three times.

EXAMPLE 7 Characterisation of Microcapsules Comprising a Pt/Au Metallic Coating

Coated microcapsules comprising a PMMA shell, a hexyl salicylate core and a metallic coating comprising a gold film disposed on a layer of PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles were prepared following the procedures described in Examples 3, 4, 5 and 6. The coated microcapsules were then characterised using optical microscopy, SEM and TEM.

FIG. 2A is an optical micrograph showing the uncoated PMMA microcapsules. FIG. 2B is a TEM image showing the PVP-stabilised platinum nanoparticles adsorbed on the surface of the microcapsules. FIG. 2C is an SEM image showing the gold film on the microcapsules. The maximum thickness of the metallic coating was less than 100 nm in this example, but it will be appreciated that the thickness of the coating may be varied.

The coated microcapsules were then tested for their ability to retain the liquid core material using the Ethanol Stability Test described herein, and their performance was compared with that of uncoated PEMA microcapsules. Whereas the coated microcapsules exhibited negligible leakage of the liquid core material, more than 50% of the liquid core material had leaked from the uncoated microcapsules after one day.

All percentages, parts and ratios recited herein are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages, parts and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example residual solvents or by-products which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A coated microcapsule comprising: a microcapsule comprising a polymeric shell and a liquid core material encapsulated therein; and a metallic coating surrounding said microcapsule, wherein the metallic coating comprises particles of a first metal adsorbed on said polymeric shell and a film of a second metal formed thereon; wherein the particles of the first metal are sterically-stabilised nanoparticles.
 2. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are sterically-stabilised by a polymeric stabiliser.
 3. A coated microcapsule according to claim 2, wherein the polymeric stabiliser is a non-ionic polymer.
 4. A coated microcapsule according to claim 3, wherein the non-ionic polymer is selected from poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl propylene), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
 5. A coated microcapsule according to claim 4, wherein the non-ionic polymer is poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
 6. A coated microcapsule according to claim 2, wherein the polymeric stabiliser is a cationic polymer.
 7. A coated microcapsule according to claim 6, wherein the cationic polymer is a poly(allyl amine) polymer.
 8. A coated microcapsule according to claim 2, wherein the polymeric stabiliser is an anionic polymer, wherein the anionic polymer is a polyacid.
 9. A coated microcapsule according to claim 2, wherein the polymeric stabiliser has a weight average molecular weight of from 5 to 100 kDa.
 10. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric shell comprises a surface-modifying agent on which said particles are adsorbed.
 11. A coated microcapsule according to claim 10, wherein said surface-modifying agent is a cationic surface-modifying agent, wherein the cationic surface-modifying agent is a cationic surfactant or a cationic polymer.
 12. A coated microcapsule according to claim 11, wherein said cationic surface-modifying agent is a cationic surfactant selected from cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, dodecyl dimethylammonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dioctadecyl dimethylammonium chloride and dioctadecyl dimethylammonium bromide.
 13. A coated microcapsule according to claim 10, wherein said surface-modifying agent is an anionic surface-modifying agent, wherein the anionic surface-modifying agent is an anionic surfactant or an anionic polymer.
 14. A coated microcapsule according to claim 13, wherein said anionic surface-modifying agent is: (i) an anionic surfactant selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate and sodium stearate; or (ii) an anionic polymer selected from poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid).
 15. A coated microcapsule according to claim 10, wherein said surface-modifying agent is a non-ionic surface-modifying agent, wherein the non-ionic surface-modifying agent is a non-ionic polymer.
 16. A coated microcapsule according to claim 15, wherein the non-ionic polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
 17. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the sterically-stabilised nanoparticles have a particle size of less than 100 nm, and wherein the polymeric shell comprises a polyacrylate.
 18. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the first metal is selected from palladium, platinum, silver, gold, nickel, tin and combinations thereof, wherein the second metal is selected from silver, gold, copper, nickel, and combinations thereof, wherein the coated microcapsule has a particle size of from 0.5 micron to 500 microns.
 19. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein (i) the first metal is platinum and the second metal is gold; (ii) the first metal is gold and the second metal is silver; or (iii) the first metal is gold and the second metal is copper.
 20. A coated microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the metallic coating has a maximum thickness of 1000 nm and a minimum thickness of 5 nm, and wherein the coated microcapsule retains more than 50% by weight of the liquid core material when tested under the Ethanol Stability Test described herein. 